Up next for Bears: Re-tooling defense

Offense-first organization needs to fill holes on defense, starting with line

December 29, 2013|By Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune reporter

Quick look: In one season, the Bears have transformed themselves from a defensive-led team to an offense-first organization. With coach Marc Trestman and the roster in place, the Bears look poised to be explosive for seasons to come. But injuries to all three levels of the defense made them truly one-dimensional, and that wasn't good enough, not even in the watered-down NFC North. If the Bears re-sign quarterback Jay Cutler as planned, the rest of the offseason will be devoted to re-tooling a defense with so many holes that it was difficult to evaluate Trestman and his staff for their work on that side of the ball. Wide receiver Alshon Jeffery made huge gains in his second season, emerging as one of the most dynamic playmakers in the NFL, and the work to rebuild the offensive line with Aaron Kromer was key to the improvements on that side of the ball. Guard Kyle Long and tackle Jordan Mills should be the most improved players on the roster come training camp.

Key stat: 5.35. That's the yards per carry the defense allowed, the seventh-worst in NFL history and the worst figure in more than 50 seasons. That is why defensive tackle has to be as significant a priority as a boost for the pass rush in free agency and the draft.